Peas and Pasta Salad

A creamy pasta salad with peas, crispy bacon and sharp Cheddar in a tangy mayonnaise dressing.

Source
Recipe Info
Servings: 6
Prep: 15m
Cook: 8m
Total: 23m
Ingredients
  • 450g cavatappi (or other short curly pasta)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 40g red onion, finely chopped
  • 425g jar mayonnaise-style salad dressing (such as Miracle Whip)
  • 1 tbsp cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 280g frozen peas, thawed
  • 50g sharp Cheddar, shredded
  • 6 rashers bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water as directed on the packet for al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and place the cooked pasta in a large bowl of ice water to stop it cooking further. Stir until cool, then drain in a colander, shaking to release as much water as possible.
  2. To make the dressing, mix the red onion, salad dressing, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and sugar in a large bowl. Taste and season with a pinch of salt and a grind or two of pepper.
  3. Add the pasta and coat completely with the dressing. Stir in the peas, cheese and bacon.
  4. If making ahead, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, adding the bacon right before serving.